Systems and methods for changing coolant in a linear accelerator

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for replacing coolant of an x-ray tube assembly having a closed cooling system include a service port that is operatively connected to a portion of the x-ray tube assembly and a vacuum assisted service kit that is operatively coupled to the service port. Used coolant is drained from the x-ray tube assembly, and thereafter a vacuum is drawn on the x-ray tube assembly via the service kit. Replacement coolant within a vacuum tank of the service kit is degassed under a vacuum. The degassed replacement coolant is provided into the cooling system from the vacuum tank, preferably by pushing under pressure with an inert gas to prevent the introduction of any air into the replacement coolant. The replacement coolant may be pressurized in the cooling system with the inert gas. Thereafter, the service kit may be disconnected from the service port.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/827,834, filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for changing coolant in an x-ray tube system.

BACKGROUND

Linear accelerators can be used for radiation treatment in the medical field and can include targeting systems using x-ray machines, for example. Linear accelerators have a limited life span and are expensive. For example, an x-ray tube in a linear accelerator may have a warranty usage of some predetermined number of uses. Thereafter, the owner of the machine usually needs to either replace the x-ray tube or service the x-ray tube to extend the useful lifespan of the machine. Frequently, the cost to service the machine is significantly less than the cost of replacing an x-ray tube or an entire linear accelerator. Therefore, it is desirable to have systems and methods of servicing and maintaining a linear accelerator that be used as an alternative to replacing a linear accelerator.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of an exemplary radiation generating machine 10. The machine 10 includes a base support 12, a moveable gantry 14, and a linear accelerator 16 carried within the gantry 14. The linear accelerator 16 includes an x-ray tube 18, which may be carried in an arm of the gantry 14, and a cooling system 20 for cooling the x-ray tube 18 during use. The cooling system 20 includes a heat exchanger 22, coolant circulation conduits 24 that connect the heat exchanger 22 to the x-ray tube 18, and usually additional equipment, such as pumps, valves, and/or switches to control the flow and circulation of coolant between the heat exchanger 22 and the x-ray tube 18.

The x-ray tube 18 generates significant amounts of heat during its use. The generated heat, however, can damage the working parts of the x-ray tube 18. Therefore, the cooling system 20 is used to cool the x-ray tube 18 and thereby prevent premature failure of the working parts of the x-ray tube 18.

The cooling system 20 operates by circulating a coolant, usually oil, such as Shell Diala AX, through the x-ray tube 18 and to the heat exchanger 22. The heat exchanger 22 cools the coolant and then the coolant is returned to the x-ray tube 18 through the circulation conduits 24, where the cooling process is repeated. However, the coolant breaks down over time due to the heat generated by the x-ray tube, which diminishes the ability of the coolant to function at its optimal performance levels. When this happens, either the entire x-ray tube 18 must be replaced or the old coolant can be replaced with new coolant.

As indicated above, it is generally significantly less expensive to replace the coolant rather than buying an entirely new x-ray tube 18. However, there are some limitations that must be met. One significant limitation is that the coolant should not have any air entrapped therein. Entrapped air in the coolant can degrade the coolant in the x-ray tube 18. Therefore, in replacing the coolant, it is important to minimize or eliminate any entrained air in the coolant. To this end, the cooling system 20 of the linear accelerator 16 is a closed system, which is sealed to prevent air from entering into the cooling system and the coolant.

SUMMARY

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, systems and methods are disclosed that allow coolant from a linear accelerator to be replaced under vacuum to ensure that air and other unwanted gasses are removed from the replacement coolant and from the cooling system when the replacement coolant is placed into the cooling system.

In some exemplary arrangements, a coolant replacement system for a linear accelerator includes a service port operatively connected to a portion of the linear accelerator, a vacuum tank operatively connected to the service port to supply replacement coolant to a cooling system of the linear accelerator, a vacuum pump operatively connected to the vacuum tank, and an inert gas supply operatively connected to the vacuum tank. The inert gas supply is preferably operatively connected to the vacuum tank by way of a bladder, wherein the bladder is operatively connected to the vacuum tank, and the inert gas supply is operatively connected to the bladder. One or more flow control valves arranged to allow the vacuum pump to draw a vacuum in the vacuum tank and coolant conduit of the cooling system to degass the coolant conduit and replacement coolant in the vacuum tank. One or more flow control valves arranged to allow the inert gas supply to push degassed coolant into the evacuated coolant conduit.

In other exemplary arrangements, a method of replacing coolant in a closed cooling system of a linear accelerator is disclosed. The cooling system is opened, and used coolant is removed from the opened cooling system. Thereafter, a service port is operatively connected to the cooling system and a vacuum tank is operatively connected to the service port. Air is evacuated from the cooling system by drawing a vacuum in the cooling system. Replacement coolant in the vacuum tank is degassed by drawing a vacuum in the vacuum tank. The degassed replacement coolant is pushed from the vacuum tank into the evacuated cooling system with an inert gas. Thereafter, the cooling system is closed with the degassed replacement cooling coolant disposed in the cooling system without allowing air to enter into the cooling system.

In yet other exemplary arrangements, a service kit for replacing used coolant in a cooling system of a linear accelerator having a service port installed to allow vacuum access to the cooling system is disclosed. The service kit includes a vacuum tank, a recouplable vacuum connector for operatively coupling and decoupling the vacuum tank with the service port, a vacuum pump operatively coupled to the vacuum tank, a bladder operatively coupled to the vacuum tank, a supply of inert gas operatively coupled to the bladder, and a plurality of flow control valves arranged to selectively isolate the vacuum tank from any one or more of the supply of inert gas, the vacuum pump, and the service port. The vacuum pump is arranged to draw a vacuum from the vacuum tank.

In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing aspects and exemplary arrangements, a coolant replacement system, a method, a service kit, and/or components thereof according to the teachings of the present disclosure optionally may include any one or more of the following optional forms.

In some optional forms, the service port includes a vacuum coupling operatively coupled to the coolant conduit and a shutoff valve operatively disposed between the vacuum coupling and the coolant conduit to open and/or close a flow of fluid between the vacuum coupling and the coolant conduit.

In some optional forms, the service port includes a tube coupling and a vacuum coupling, the tube coupling adapted to be coupled to an exterior surface of the closed x-ray tube system adjacent a drain opening of the closed x-ray tube system, and the vacuum coupling operatively coupled to the tube coupling, the closed x-ray tube system comprising a sight glass removably disposable within the drain opening to open and close a flow of fluid between the vacuum coupling and coolant conduit of the cooling system. In one optional form, the service port further includes a sealing element disposed within the tube coupling and surrounding the drain opening of the closed x-ray tube system.

In some optional forms, the vacuum tank includes a tank with an opening and a resealable lid removably covering the opening. The vacuum tank may include an exhaust port operatively connecting the vacuum pump to the vacuum tank, a feed port operatively connecting the vacuum tank to the bladder, and/or a dip tube operatively connecting the vacuum tank to the service port. The dip tube may have an inlet dispose below the exhaust port and the feed port.

In some optional forms, one or more valves are operatively arranged to selectively isolate various components of the system. A first flow control valve may be operatively disposed between the feed port and the bladder. A second flow control valve may be operatively disposed between the exhaust port and the vacuum pump. A third flow control valve may operatively disposed between the inlet of the dip tube and vacuum connector. A fourth flow control valve may be operatively disposed between the third flow control valve and the vacuum connector. One or more of the valves may be shutoff valve or a check valve

In some optional forms, the vacuum connector includes a quick disconnect plug and a quick disconnect coupler arranged to selective couple and decouple with each other in a manner arranged to maintain a vacuum present in the conduits.

In some optional forms, the bladder may include one or more of a flexible walled container, a bellows, and an expansion tank.

In some optional forms, the inert gas supply includes a tank containing inert gas. A sixth flow control valve may be operatively disposed between the bladder and the tank. A pressure regulator may be operatively disposed between the bladder and the tank. The inert gas may be, for example, nitrogen.

In some optional forms, the cooling system is closed after removing the used coolant.

In some optional forms, the service port is operatively connected to a coolant conduit of the cooling system.

In some optional forms, the service port is operatively connected to an exterior surface (e.g., on the end) of an x-ray tube of the x-ray tube system adjacent a drain opening of the x-ray tube.

In some optional forms, a sight glass covering the drain opening of the x-ray tube is removed to open the cooling system. The cooling system can be closed by (i) pushing the sight glass toward the drain opening through a vacuum coupling disposed between the vacuum tank and the cooling system and at least partially filled with replacement coolant, and (ii) re-inserting the sight glass into the drain opening.

In some optional forms, the evacuated cooling system is operatively isolated from the vacuum tank before degassing the replacement coolant, for example by closing a flow control valve. The evacuated cooling system may be operatively reconnected in a vacuum sealed manner to the vacuum tank before pushing the degassed replacement coolant from the vacuum tank into the evacuated cooling system, for example, by opening the flow control valve.

In some optional forms, a vacuum is drawn from the air bladder operatively connected to the vacuum tank to contract the bladder, preferably while degassing the replacement coolant.

In some optional forms, the replacement coolant is pushed into the cooling system by providing inert gas to the vacuum tank through the bladder through, preferably while the bladder is contracted. A positive pressure may be provided to the inert gas sufficient to re-expand the bladder after the degassed replacement fluid is pushed into the evacuated cooling system, for example, by expanding the bladder to approximately 25 percent capacity.

In some optional forms, a fifth flow control valve is operatively disposed between the bladder and the supply of inert gas and arranged to selectively isolate the bladder from the supply of inert gas.

In some optional forms, the coupling is in the form of a t-coupling having a first branch connected to a first portion of the circulation conduit, a second branch connected to a second portion of the circulation conduit, and a third branch connected to a connection conduit extending to the recouplable vacuum connector. The flow control valve of the service port may be a shutoff valve disposed along the connection conduit.

Other viable aspects and optional forms of the system, method, and kit disclosed herein will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a radiation generating machine including a linear accelerator according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an x-ray tube system and a coolant replacement system including a service port and a service kit according to the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of an x-ray tube showing a site glass disposed in a drain opening; and

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the x-ray tube similar to FIG. 3 but with a nozzle disposed in the drain opening.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of another x-ray tube system and another coolant replacement system including a service port and a service kit according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view of one end of the x-ray tube of FIG. 5 with a sight glass installed.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the components of the service port of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view depicting the service port of FIG. 5 coupled to the end of the x-ray tube.

FIG. 9 is another isometric view depicting the service port of FIG. 5 coupled to the end of the x-ray tube.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9, depicting the service port coupled to the end of the x-ray tube.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view depicting the service kit of FIG. 5 operatively connected to the service port with a service kit coupling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a coolant replacement system 28 for an x-ray tube system 30 and a service kit 32 for replacing the coolant in the x-ray tube system 30 according to a first technical example of the present disclosure. The x-ray tube system 30 includes an x-ray tube 18 and a cooling system 20, including a heat exchanger 22 and coolant circulation conduits 24. In addition, the x-ray tube system 30 is provided with a service port 34, which is preferably permanently installed along one of the coolant circulation conduits 24, for example, between the heat exchanger 22 and the x-ray tube 18. The service kit 32 may be coupled and decoupled to the service port 34 to allow a vacuum to be drawn from the coolant circulation conduits 24, and thereby from the cooling system 20 and the x-ray tube 18, through the service kit 32, and to allow replacement coolant, such as oil, to be transferred into the coolant circulation conduits 24 from the service kit 32 without allowing any substantial amount of air to enter into the coolant circulation conduits 24. In this arrangement, the coolant replacement system 28 provides an effective way to replace used coolant in the x-ray tube system 30 with replacement or new coolant in a way that more reliably ensures that the replacement coolant and the entire coolant circulation system of the x-ray tube system 30 is free of unwanted air.

The service port 34 is preferably permanently installed on the x-ray tube system 30 to provide fluid access to the coolant circulation conduits 24 for drawing a vacuum from the cooling system 20 and the x-ray tube 18 and providing new replacement coolant into the circulation conduits. The service port 34 includes a coupling 36 that is operatively disposed along the cooling system 20 to maintain a vacuum therein. The coupling 36 may be a T-coupling disposed along one of the coolant circulation conduits 24 and sealed to maintain a vacuum or any other coupling capable of providing similar fluid access into and out of the coolant circulation conduits. The service port 34 further includes a recouplable vacuum connector 38 operatively connected to the coupling 36, such as with or along a stub conduit 40, and a service flow control valve 42, such as a shut off valve, operatively disposed along the stub conduit 40 between the vacuum coupling 36 and the recouplable vacuum connector 38. The flow control valve 42 can be selectively opened and/or closed so as to selectively isolate the recouplable vacuum connector 38 from the coupling 36 to either provide fluid access into and out of the coolant circulation conduits 24 and/or to close the cooling system 20.

The service kit 32 can include, at least in part, a vacuum tank 44, a vacuum pump 46, a supply of inert gas 48, and another recouplable vacuum connector 50 for operatively coupling and decoupling with the recouplable vacuum connector 38 of the service port 34. The vacuum pump 46 is operatively connected to the vacuum tank 44, for example, with a conduit 51 connected to an exhaust port 52 of the vacuum tank 44, such that the vacuum pump 46 can evacuate air and thereby draw a vacuum in the vacuum tank 44. The supply of inert gas 48 is carried within a tank 54 that is operatively connected to a feed port 56 of the vacuum tank 44 by one or more conduits 58 a and 58 b. A bladder 60 is operatively disposed along the conduits 58 a and 58 b to provide a collapsible and expandable container or diaphragm operatively disposed between the supply of inert gas 48 and the vacuum tank 44. A conduit 62 operatively connects the recouplable vacuum connector 50 to the vacuum tank 44 so as to provide fluid communication between the recouplable vacuum connector 50 and the interior of the vacuum tank 44.

The vacuum tank 44 includes a container body 44 a defining an interior area and a top opening into the interior, and a lid 44 b for sealingly closing the top opening. One or more locks 44 c, such as nuts, wing nuts, clamps, or other known locking devices, are used to releasably seal and lock the lid 44 b onto the container body 44 a covering the opening. A dip tube 64 extends into the interior of the vacuum tank 44 and has an inlet 66 disposed near the bottom of the interior of the container body 44 a. The dip tube 64 is carried, for example, by the lid 44 b and operatively connects to the conduit 62. Each of the exhaust port 52 and the feed port 56 is disposed near a top portion of the vacuum tank 44, such as along the top of the container body 44 a near the open top, such that, when the vacuum tank is 44 is in an upright position, the inlet 66 of the dip tube 64 is disposed at or near a lowest point of the vacuum tank 44 and the exhaust port 52 and the feed port 56 are disposed above the inlet 66. In this manner, replacement coolant 68 disposed in the interior of the vacuum tank 44 covers the inlet 66 of the dip tube 64 and has a top surface disposed below the exhaust port 52 and feed port 56, as will be described in more detail below.

In addition to the foregoing, the service kit 32 can also include a number of flow control valves that are operatively arranged to allow various components of the service kit 32 and the service port 34 to be selectively operatively connected and isolated, i.e., placed in fluid connection or isolation, from other components and to control flow of fluid through the coolant replacement system 28. For example, a first flow control valve 70 is operatively disposed along the conduit 58 a between the feed port 56 and the bladder 60 to allow the vacuum tank 44 to be selectively isolated from the bladder 60. The first flow control valve 70 may be, for example, an on/off valve, such as a globe valve, a disc valve, a butterfly valve, or other type of on/off valve. A second flow control valve 72 is operatively disposed between the vacuum tank 44 and the vacuum pump 46, such as along the conduit 51, to allow the vacuum tank 44 to be selectively isolated from the vacuum pump 46. The second flow control valve 72 may be an on/off valve or a one way check valve. A third flow control valve 74 is operatively disposed between the recouplable vacuum connector 50 and the vacuum tank 44 along the conduit 62. And, a fourth flow control valve 76 is operatively disposed between the third flow control valve 74 and the recouplable vacuum connector 50 along the conduit 62. Each of the third and fourth flow control valves 74 and 76 is operable to isolate the recouplable vacuum connector 50 from the vacuum tank 44, and may be on/off valves. A fifth flow control valve 78 is operatively disposed between the bladder 60 and the tank 54 along the conduit 58 b to allow the inert gas supply 48 to be selectively isolated from the bladder 60 and the vacuum tank 44. The fifth flow control valve 78 may be an on/off valve, such as a globe valve or butterfly valve or other type of valve that may be selectively turned on and/or off to allow for stop fluid flow therethrough. Each of the first through fifth flow control valves 70, 72, 74, 76, and 78 is operable independently of the other flow control valves. A pressure regulator 80 can be connected to the tank 54 to regulate the pressure of inert gas flowing from the tank 54 to the bladder 60 and the vacuum tank 44, preferably at a pre-selected or selectable pressure, in a manner well understood in the art.

The recouplable vacuum connectors 38 and 50 together form a vacuum connector 82 between the service port 34 and the service kit 32 that can be coupled and decoupled in a manner to preserve a vacuum and/or positive pressure within the vacuum tank 44 and/or the coolant circulation conduits 24 of the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30. Many vacuum connectors are known and would be suitable for use as the vacuum connector 82. In one example, the recouplable vacuum connector 38 may be a quick disconnect plug and the recouplable vacuum connector 50 may be a complimentary quick disconnect coupler known in the art. While the service port 34 has not been expressly described as being part of the service kit 32, in other versions, the service kit 32 can include the service port 34 as well.

The vacuum pump 46 may be any type of pump suitable for drawing a vacuum from the vacuum tank 44 preferably, the vacuum pump is sufficient to draw a vacuum, for example, 20, 30, 40, or more inches of mercury. However, the vacuum pump 46 may be sized and selected in any manner necessary and sufficient to draw a desired vacuum from the vacuum tank 44 and from the coolant circulation conduits 24 as explained in additional detail hereinafter.

The bladder 60 may take any of various forms of a container that is both collapsible and then re-expandable. For example, the bladder 60 may include a bellows, a flexible walled plastic jug or bag, a hard-walled container with one or more moveable walls that allow the container to effectively expand and/or collapse, or any of other various known or similar expandable and contractible containers. In some versions, the bladder 60 can include what is conventionally referred to as a “let-up kit,” for example.

Each of the conduits 24, 40, 62, 51, 58 a, and 58 b, may be made of any suitable material and be in the form of for example rubber hoses, braided hoses, multi-walled hoses, metal hoses, metal tubes, or any other conduit suitable for transporting fluids in a closed pressurized system.

With the service kit 32 and related components configured as described, a detailed exemplary technical method of using the cooling replacement system 28 to replace the coolant in the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30 is described with reference to FIG. 2. Before changing the coolant in the x-ray tube system 30, it is of course preferable to stop operation the x-ray tube system 30, including turning off the x-ray tube 18 and turning off any circulation pumps and/or other components of the radiation generating device 10.

Next, used coolant is removed from the x-ray tube 18 and the cooling system 20. This can be accomplished in situ, that is, with the x-ray tube system 30 remaining in its operative position in the housing of its support structure, such as the gantry 14, or by removing the x-ray tube system 30, either partially or completely, from its support structure. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, one preferred way to remove the coolant is to remove, e.g., unscrew, a sight glass 90 from a drain opening 96 located on the x-ray tube 18 to open or unseal the coolant circulation system of the x-ray tube system 30. Thereafter, a nozzle 92 as shown in FIG. 4 is fitted into, e.g., screwed into, the drain opening 96. The nozzle 92 is arranged to allow the coolant to be poured out of the x-ray tube 18 without dripping onto the exterior of the x-ray tube 18. Thereby, the used coolant can be drained from the cooling system 20 in a way that keeps the x-ray tube 18 clean. The nozzle 92 has an end flange 92 a defining an annular recess 92 b surrounding the opening 92 c of the nozzle 92. The nozzle 92 includes a male connector (not shown) at an opposite end from the end of flange 92 a with external threads for threaded connection to the drain opening 96. With the nozzle 92 attached to the drain opening 96, the used coolant may be removed from the x-ray tube system 30 either in situ, as carried in the gantry 14, or the x-ray tube system 30 may be completely removed from the gantry 14 for the removal and replacement of the coolant. If the coolant is replaced in situ, a hose, for example, may be connected to the end flange 92 a to carry the used coolant to a receptacle without getting used coolant all over the support structure, such as the gantry 14.

After the coolant has been drained from the x-ray tube 18, the nozzle 92 is removed from the drain opening 96 and the sight glass 90 is re-installed to seal the drain opening 96.

After the cooling system 20 has been drained and resealed, the service port 34 is installed. Of course, if the service port 34 is already installed, the following installation steps may be skipped at this point. To install the service port 34, one of the coolant circulation conduits 24 is severed, and a first portion of the conduit 24 is connected to a first branch of the coupling 36, which in this case is a t-coupling, and a second portion of the conduit 24 is connected to a second branch of the t-coupling. The stub conduit 40 is attached to the third branch of the t-coupling, and the valve 42 and recouplable vacuum connector 38 are either already installed or are thereafter installed operatively connected to the t-coupling 36.

Next, the service kit 32 is operatively coupled to the service port 34 by connecting the recouplable vacuum connector 50 to the recouplable vacuum connector 38. In this manner the vacuum tank 44 is operatively connected with the cooling system 20 via the service port 34 to allow fluid to be transferred under pressure and/or vacuum between the coolant circulation conduits 24 and the interior of the vacuum tank 44.

The vacuum pump 46 is operatively coupled to the vacuum tank 44 at the exhaust port 52.

Next, the cooling system 20 is evacuated by drawing a vacuum through the vacuum tank 44 and the service port 34 with the vacuum pump 46. To do this, the service flow control valve 42 and the second, third, and fourth flow control valves 72, 74, 76 are opened. The first flow control valve 70 at this point is preferably closed. The vacuum pump 46 is turned on and draws a vacuum on the vacuum tank 44 and the cooling system 20, preferably up to approximately thirty inches of mercury, although other vacuum pressures may also or alternatively be used depending on various parameters of the various components. In some cases, it is estimated that the vacuum pump 46 may need to be activated for approximately fifteen minutes to ensure that a sufficient vacuum has been drawn in the coolant circulation conduits 24, the heat exchanger 22, and the x-ray tube 18. Of course, this depends upon the size and performance capabilities of the vacuum pump 46.

Next, the cooling system 20 is isolated from the vacuum tank 44, for example, by closing the service flow control valve 42 in the service port 34.

After the evacuated cooling system 20 has been isolated from the vacuum tank 44, an amount of coolant sufficient to fill the cooling system 20 as appropriate is added into the vacuum tank 44. This may be accomplished, for example, by unlocking the locks 44 c, opening the lid 44 b, pouring replacement coolant 68 into the interior of the container body 44 a, and then resealing the lid 44 b onto the tank 44 with the locks 44 c.

Next, if the bladder and inert gas supply 48 have not already been connected to the vacuum tank 44, with the flow control valve 70 closed, the bladder 60 is operatively connected to the vacuum tank 44 by attaching the conduit 58 a to the bladder 60. The bladder 60 is also operatively connected to the inert gas supply 48 by connecting the conduit 58 b to the tank 54. In this manner the inert gas supply 48 is operatively connected to the vacuum tank 44 via the bladder 60.

With the third flow control valve 74 closed, thereby isolating the vacuum tank 44 from the vacuum connector 82, the vacuum pump 46 is activated with the second flow control valve 72 opened to draw a vacuum, preferably of approximately thirty inches of mercury, inside the vacuum tank 44. A vacuum is also drawn from the bladder 60, thereby collapsing the bladder 60. The vacuum may be held for any necessary period of time to ensure that all air is removed from the replacement coolant 68 that resides in the tank 44. In this way, the replacement coolant 68 is degassed and all air is substantially eliminated from the replacement coolant 68.

With the vacuum pump 46 still drawing a vacuum from the vacuum tank 44, the third flow control valve 74 (and the fourth and service flow control valves 76 and 42, respectively, if necessary) is opened, thereby operatively reconnecting the vacuum tank 44 to the coolant circulation conduits 24. The vacuum pump 46 remains running to ensure that a desired and balanced vacuum pressure, e.g., approximately thirty inches of mercury, is drawn across both the vacuum tank 44 and the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30. The amount of time that this takes varies of course upon the operating characteristics of the vacuum pump 46. After the desired vacuum pressure is attained across the vacuum tank 44 and the coolant circulation conduits 24, the second flow control valve 72 is closed and the vacuum pump 46 may be shut off. Thus at this point the vacuum tank 44, the conduits 62 and 40, and the coolant circulation conduits 24 and other portions of the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30 are under a single vacuum pressure in a substantially sealed or closed system.

Next, the bladder 60 is filled with inert gas, such as nitrogen, from the inert gas supply 48. To do this, the first flow control valve 70 is closed after the vacuum has been drawn on the bladder 60. Then, the fifth flow control valve 78 is opened, and pressurized gas inside the tank 54 transfers into the bladder 60 until a predefined pressure set by the regulator 80 is achieved. This expands the bladder 60. The flow control valve 78 is subsequently closed after the bladder 60 has been filled with the inert gas.

Next, the replacement coolant 68 that resides in the tank 44 under pressure is forced from the tank 44 into the evacuated cooling system 20 with the inert gas. To do this, the first flow control valve 70 is opened, preferably slowly so as to minimize any sudden pressure surges. Atmospheric pressure on the bladder 60 pushes the inert gas into the upper portion of the vacuum tank 44 via the feed port 56 and thereby forces the replacement coolant 68 up into the inlet 66 of the dip tube 64 and from there into the coolant circulation conduits 24, which were previously under a vacuum, via the conduits 62 and 40. After the pressure in the vacuum tank 44 and the remaining portions of the cooling system 20 reach atmospheric pressure due to compression of the bladder 60, the fifth flow control valve 78 may be slowly opened to allow inert gas from the tank 54 under positive pressure to provide additional positive pressure into the vacuum tank 44 and thus also the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30, thereby pressurizing the replacement coolant 68 in the coolant circulation conduits 24. Although the replacement coolant 68 may be positively pressurized to any desired pressure, in one preferred method, the inert gas supply 48 is left operatively connected to the vacuum tank 44 by having the first and fifth flow control valves 70 and 78 opened until the bladder 60 expands to approximately a 25% full or expanded condition. After the replacement coolant 68 has been pushed into the coolant circulation conduits 24 by the inert gas and achieved the desired pressure, the service flow control valve 42 and the third and fourth flow control valves 74 and 76 are closed, and thereafter the first flow control valve 70, and optionally the fifth flow control valve 78 are also closed. In this condition, the service port 34 and thus the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 30 is isolated from the vacuum tank 44 and pressurized, and preferably the vacuum tank 44 is also isolated from the inert gas supply 48.

At this point, it is preferable to verify that there is no air in the cooling system 20. This may be accomplished, for example, by rotating the gantry 14 or the x-ray tube 18 and visually observing whether any air bubbles are visible in the sight glass 90 of the x-ray tube 18. Other suitable methods of checking for the presence of air in the cooling system 20 are also equally acceptable.

Next, if no air has been identified in the cooling system 20, the flow control valve 42 is closed, and the service kit 32 may be disconnected from the service port 34 by uncoupling the recouplable vacuum connector 50 from the recouplable vacuum connector 38. If air bubbles are identified through the sight glass 90, the sight glass 90 can be slightly loosened such that the pressurized bubbles naturally expel to atmosphere.

FIG. 5 illustrates a coolant replacement system 128 for an x-ray tube system 130 and the service kit 32 used to replace the coolant in the x-ray tube system 130 in accordance with a second technical example of the present disclosure. The coolant replacement system 128, like the coolant replacement system 28, provides an effective way to replace used coolant in the x-ray tube system 130 with replacement or new coolant in a way that more reliably ensures that the replacement coolant and the entire coolant circulation system of the x-ray tube system 130 is free of unwanted air.

The x-ray tube system 130 is similar to the x-ray tube system 30 described above, with common components indicated by common reference numerals and any differences outlined below. The x-ray tube system 130 generally includes an x-ray tube 118 and the cooling system 20, which, as noted above, includes the heat exchanger 22 and the coolant circulation conduits 24. Unlike the x-ray tube system 30, wherein the service port 34 is coupled along one of the conduits 24, the x-ray tube system 130 includes a service port 134 that is removably coupled to a portion of the x-ray tube 118, as will be described in greater detail below. However, like the x-ray tube system 30, the service port 134, when coupled to the x-ray tube 118, provides fluid access to the coolant circulation conduits 24 for drawing a vacuum from the cooling system 20 and the x-ray tube 118 and providing new or replacement coolant into the circulation conduits 24.

The x-ray tube 118 is substantially similar to the x-ray tube 18 described above. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the x-ray tube 118 has an end 180, a neck 182, and a drain 186 coupled to and partially disposed within the neck 182. The neck 182 extends outward from the end 180 and is defined by a cylindrical wall 188 and an annular opening 189 (see FIG. 10) defined by the wall 188. A first part of the drain 186 is disposed within the annular opening of the neck 184, while a second part of the drain 186 has a diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the cylindrical wall 188 and thus rests on the cylindrical wall 188. As such, the drain 186 is raised relative to the neck 182. The x-ray tube 118 further includes a drain opening 196 formed within the drain 186. A sight glass 190 is removably disposable within the drain opening 196 to open and close the drain 186, and, thus, unseal or seal the cooling system 20. When the sight glass 190 is disposed within the drain opening 196, as is illustrated in FIG. 6, the sight glass 190 seals the drain opening 186, and, in turn, the cooling system 20.

FIG. 7 illustrates the components of the service port 134 in greater detail. The service port 134 in this version includes a tube coupling 200, a seal 204, a ring 208, and a vacuum coupling 212. Unlike the service port 34, which includes a service flow control valve, such as the flow control valve 42, that can be selectively opened or closed so as to isolate the service port 34 from the service kit 32, the service port 134 does not include any type of service flow control.

The tube coupling 200 is preferably made of metal and has an annular shape defined by a cylindrical wall 216 surrounding and defining a central opening 220. The cylindrical wall 216 has internal threads 224 for threaded connection with the vacuum coupling 212. The central opening 220 is sized to receive or accommodate the seal 204, the ring 208, and a portion of the vacuum coupling 212. The seal 204 in this version is an o-ring sized to be disposed or seated between the neck 182 of the x-ray tube 118 and the coupling 212. The ring 208 in this version is preferably a metal ferrule that has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the seal 204. The ring 208 is sized to be disposed or seated between the neck 182 of the x-ray tube 118 and the coupling 212 proximate or adjacent to the seal 204. The vacuum coupling 212 has a body 226, a flange 228 disposed at and extending outward from one end 230A of the body 226, and external threads 232 formed proximate to an opposite end 230B of the body 226. The external threads 232 are configured for threaded connection with the internal threads 224 of the tube coupling 200. The vacuum coupling 212 further includes an opening 236 defined by and extending through the body 226.

It will be appreciated that service port 134 can vary from the service port 134 illustrated in FIG. 7. More specifically, the service port 134 can include additional, different, or fewer components than the tube coupling 200, the seal 204, the ring 208, and the vacuum coupling 212. The tube coupling 200 can vary in shape (e.g., can be rectangular, triangular, or have some other shape in cross-section), size, and/or construction. For example, the tube coupling 200 can have external threads instead of the internal threads 224. The seal 204 can vary in shape, size, and/or take the form of a different type of sealing element. Likewise, the ring 208 can vary in shape (e.g., can be rectangular, triangular, or have some other shape in cross-section). The coupling 212 can also vary in shape, size, and/or construction. In other examples, one or more of the components of the service port 134 can be integrally formed with one another or coupled to one another in a different manner.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate one example of how the service port 134 can be coupled to (e.g. installed on) the x-ray tube 118. In this example, the service port 134 is coupled to the x-ray tube 118 via four clamps 250 coupled (e.g., secured) to the end 180 of the x-ray tube 118. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a bottom end 231 of the tube coupling 200 is seated on and flush with the end 180 of the x-ray tube 118 and around the neck 182 such that the cylindrical wall 216 of the tube coupling 200 circumscribes and extends upward from the neck 182 and the drain 186 of the x-ray tube 118. The tube coupling 200 is retained in this position by the clamps 250. Each clamp 250 has a base portion 252 coupled (e.g., fastened) to the end 180 of the x-ray tube 118 and an arm portion 254 that extends inward from the base portion 252 and partially extends over and interferingly contacts a top end 258 of the cylindrical wall 216 of the tube coupling 200. Each clamp 250 is secured in this position by a plurality of fasteners 260 disposed in an opening formed in the base portion 252 and an opening formed in the end 180 of the x-ray tube 118. As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the seal 204 and the ring 208 are disposed inside the tube coupling 200 and seated on an end face 181 of the x-ray tube 118 adjacent the raised portion of the drain 186. The vacuum coupling 212 is threaded into the tube coupling 200 via the threads 224, 232. Threading the vacuum coupling 212 down into the tube coupling 200, in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10, causes the bottom end 230B of the vacuum coupling 212 to compress the ring 208 and seal 204 tightly against the end face 181 of the x-ray tube 118, thereby creating a fluid tight seal. In the version illustrated in FIG. 7, the ring 208 or the seal 204 can make sealing contact with the end face 181 while the other makes contact with the bottom end 230B of the vacuum coupling 212. Regardless, the interaction between the ring 208 and the seal 204 helps prevent the seal 204 from being overcompressed and/or otherwise destroyed under compression. Of course, in other versions, the ring 208 may be eliminated, or the configuration of the ring 208 and the seal 204 can be replaced with other sealing mechanisms. In the described manner, the service port 134, particularly the couplings 200, 212, are sealed to the x-ray tube 118 maintain a vacuum. So constructed and positioned, the service port 134 provides fluid access into and out of the cooling system 20, particularly the coolant circulation conduits 24 of the cooling system 20.

It will be appreciated that the service port 134 need not be coupled to the x-ray tube 118 in the exact manner described above. In some examples, the above-described steps of coupling the service port 134 to the x-ray tube 118 can occur in a different order. While the clamps 250 are described as being installed in the proper position before the vacuum coupling 212 is threaded to the tube coupling 200, the clamps 250 can alternatively be installed in the proper position after the couplings 200, 212, the seal 204, and the ring 208 are coupled to one another or at some other point in time.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the coolant replacement system 128 further includes a service kit coupling 300 that operatively connects the service kit 32 described above with the service port 134 for the purpose of replacing the coolant in the x-ray tube system 130. In this version, the coupling 300 is a T-coupling 304 that three arms—arms 308, 312, and 316—and three ports (not shown) defined by those arms 308, 312, and 316, respectively. The first arm 308 is disposed within a portion of the service port 134. More specifically, the first arm 308 is disposed within the opening 236 of the vacuum coupling 212, with the first port disposed within the opening 236 and operatively connected to the drain opening 186. The first arm 308 is frictionally retained in position by the body 226 of the coupling 212. The second arm 312, particularly the second port, is sized to receive a vacuum gauge 320, which can, when connected, display the pressure within the service kit coupling 300 (which should correspond to the desired vacuum or positive pressure). Although not explicitly illustrated herein, the third arm 316 is configured to be operatively coupled to the service kit 32, particularly the recouplable vacuum connector 50, thereby facilitating an operative connection between the service kit 32 and the service port 134. As also illustrated in FIG. 10, a plurality of fittings (in this case, three) can be used to sealingly connect the various components together. The plurality of fittings may, for example, be or include KF-25 fittings, KF-40 fittings, other suitable components, or combinations thereof.

In other examples, the service kit 32 can be operatively connected to the service port 134 in a different manner. For example, the recouplable vacuum connector 50 can be directly connected to one or more components of the service port 134, thereby obviating the need for the service kit coupling 300.

When desired, the cooling replacement system 128 can be used to replace the coolant in the cooling system 20 of the x-ray tube system 130. As noted above, before changing the coolant in the x-ray tube system 130, it is preferable to stop operation of the x-ray tube system 130, including turning off the x-ray tube 118 and turning off any circulation pumps and/or other components of the radiation generating device 10.

At this point, used coolant can be removed from the x-ray tube 118 and the cooling system 20. This can be accomplished in the same manner described above (i.e., removing the sight glass 190 from the drain opening 196 and using the nozzle 92 to drain the used coolant) or can be accomplished in a different manner. For example, the sight glass 190 can be removed from the drain opening 196 and the used coolant can be drained through the service port 134 using the service kit 32 or some other component(s). After the coolant has been drained from the x-ray tube 118, the sight glass 190 can, but need not, be re-installed to seal the drain opening 196. Alternatively, the sight glass 190 need not be re-installed until after the coolant has been replaced.

After the cooling system 20 has been drained, the service port 134 is installed. Alternatively, of course, the service port 134 may already be installed (e.g., before the cooling system 20 is drained). In either case, the service port 134 is installed in the manner described above. Next, the service kit 32 is operatively coupled to the service port 134 by connecting the recouplable vacuum connector 50 to the T-coupling 304. In this manner, the vacuum tank 44 is operatively connected with the cooling system 20 via the service port 134 to allow fluid to be transferred under pressure and/or vacuum between the coolant circulation conduits 24 and the interior of the vacuum tank 44. The process for doing so is identical to the process described above in connection with the service port 34.

After the coolant has been replaced, the sight glass 190 is re-installed to seal the drain opening 196. To ensure that no air is in or gets into the cooling system 20, the vacuum gauge 320 can be removed and the sight glass 190 can be inserted into the coupling 300 (via the port defined by the second arm 312), pushed toward the drain opening 196 through the coupling 300 and the vacuum coupling 212 (via, e.g., a tool), which at this point is at least partially filed with the replacement coolant, and re-inserted into the drain opening 196. Alternatively, the sight glass 190 can be re-installed in a different manner (e.g., with the service port 134 removed), in which case any number of suitable methods can be used to check for the presence of air in the cooling system 20.

After the sight glass 190 has been re-installed, the service kit 32 can be disconnected from the service port 134. The service port 134 can also be disconnected at this time, can be disconnected at another time, or need not be disconnected at all. Alternatively, the service kit 32 can be disconnected at a different time (e.g., before the sight glass 190 has been re-installed.

Based on the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the systems and methods of replacing coolant in a closed cooling system of an x-ray tube system and various components thereof according the teachings of the present disclosure are useful for doing so in a manner that ensures that the replacement coolant will be free of any unwanted air. The systems and methods described herein also provide a cost effective alternative to currently known methods of replacing a coolant in an x-ray tube system and/or simply replacing the x-ray tube system when its maximum usage capacity has been reached due to degradation of the used coolant. 

We claim:
 1. A coolant replacement system, comprising a service port adapted to be operatively connected to a closed x-ray tube system; a vacuum tank operatively connected to the service port to supply replacement coolant to a cooling system of the closed x-ray tube system; a vacuum pump operatively connected to the vacuum tank to selectively draw a vacuum on the vacuum tank; an inert gas supply operatively connected to the vacuum tank; one or more flow control valves disposed between the vacuum pump and the vacuum tank and arranged to allow the vacuum pump to be selectively isolated from or fluidly connected to the vacuum tank, whereby the vacuum pump can draw a vacuum on the vacuum tank and the cooling system; and one or more flow control valves disposed between the inert gas supply and the vacuum tank and arranged to allow the inert gas supply to be selectively isolated from or fluidly connected to the vacuum tank, whereby the inert gas supply can push coolant from the vacuum tank and into the evacuated cooling system.
 2. The coolant replacement system of claim 1, wherein the service port is adapted to be operatively connected to a coolant conduit of the cooling system and comprises: a vacuum coupling operatively coupled to the coolant conduit; and a shutoff valve operatively disposed between the vacuum coupling and the coolant conduit to open and close a flow of fluid between the vacuum coupling and the coolant conduit.
 3. The coolant replacement system of claim 1, wherein the service port comprises: a tube coupling adapted to be coupled to an exterior surface of the closed x-ray tube system adjacent a drain opening of the closed x-ray tube system; and a vacuum coupling operatively coupled to the tube coupling, the closed x-ray tube system comprising a sight glass removably disposable within the drain opening to open and close a flow of fluid between the vacuum coupling and a coolant conduit of the cooling system.
 4. The coolant replacement system of claim 3, wherein the service port further comprises a sealing element disposed within the tube coupling and surrounding the drain opening of the closed x-ray tube system.
 5. The coolant replacement system of claim 1, wherein the vacuum tank comprises: a tank with an opening; and a resealable lid removably covering the opening.
 6. The coolant replacement system of claim 1, further comprising: a bladder operatively connected between the vacuum tank and the inert gas supply.
 7. The coolant replacement system of claim 4, wherein the vacuum tank further comprises: an exhaust port operatively connecting the vacuum pump to the vacuum tank; a feed port operatively connecting the vacuum tank to the bladder; and a dip tube operatively connecting an interior of the vacuum tank to the service port, the dip tube having an inlet disposed below the exhaust port and the feed port.
 8. The coolant replacement system of claim 7, further comprising: a first flow control valve operatively disposed between the feed port and the bladder; a second flow control valve operatively disposed between the exhaust port and the vacuum pump; a third flow control valve operatively disposed between the inlet of the dip tube and a vacuum connector; and a fourth flow control valve operatively disposed between the third flow control valve and the vacuum connector.
 9. The coolant replacement system of claim 4, wherein the inert gas supply comprises: a tank containing an inert gas; a fifth flow control valve operatively disposed between the bladder and the tank; and a pressure regulator operatively disposed between the bladder and the tank.
 10. The coolant replacement system of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum connector disposed between the service port and the vacuum tank, the vacuum connector comprising a quick disconnect plug and a quick disconnect coupler.
 11. A method of replacing a coolant in a closed cooling system of an x-ray tube system, the method comprising: opening the cooling system; removing used coolant from the opened cooling system; operatively connecting a service port to the cooling system; connecting a vacuum tank to the service port; evacuating air from the cooling system by drawing a vacuum on the vacuum tank and the cooling system through the service port; at least partially filling the vacuum tank with a quantity of replacement coolant; drawing a vacuum on the replacement coolant in the vacuum tank; pushing the replacement coolant out from the vacuum tank, through the service port, and into the evacuated cooling system with an inert gas; and closing the cooling system after the replacement coolant is pushed therein while substantially preventing air from entering the cooling system.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising closing the cooling system after removing the used coolant.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein operatively connecting the service port to the cooling system comprises coupling the service port to a coolant conduit of the cooling system.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein operatively connecting the service port comprises coupling the service port to an exterior surface of an x-ray tube of the x-ray tube system adjacent a drain opening of the x-ray tube, the service port being in fluid communication with the cooling system.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein opening the cooling system comprises removing a sight glass covering a drain opening of the x-ray tube of the x-ray tube system, and wherein closing the cooling system comprises: pushing the sight glass toward the drain opening through a vacuum coupling disposed between the vacuum tank and the cooling system and at least partially filled with the replacement coolant; and re-inserting the sight glass into the drain opening.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: operatively isolating the cooling system from the vacuum tank before drawing a vacuum on the replacement coolant; operatively reconnecting the cooling system to the vacuum tank before pushing the replacement coolant out from the vacuum tank, through the service port, and into the evacuated cooling system.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein operatively isolating the cooling system from the vacuum tank comprises closing at least one flow control valve disposed between the cooling system and the vacuum tank.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein operatively reconnecting the cooling system to the vacuum tank comprises opening the at least one flow control valve.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein drawing a vacuum on the replacement coolant further comprises drawing a vacuum on an air bladder operatively connected to the vacuum tank, thereby contracting the air bladder.
 20. The method of claim 11, wherein drawing a vacuum on the replacement coolant comprises degassing the replacement coolant.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising filling the air bladder at least partly with the inert gas after drawing the vacuum on the replacement coolant.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein pushing the replacement coolant out from the vacuum tank comprises providing the inert gas to the vacuum tank through the bladder.
 23. A service kit for replacing used coolant in a cooling system of an x-ray tube system having a service port, the service kit comprising: a vacuum tank; a first recouplable vacuum connector for operatively coupling and decoupling the vacuum tank with the service port; a vacuum pump adapted to be operably coupled to the vacuum tank and arranged to draw a vacuum on the vacuum tank; a collapsible bladder adapted to be operatively coupled to the vacuum tank; a supply of inert gas adapted to be operatively coupled to the bladder; a first flow control valve adapted to be coupled between the supply of inert gas and the vacuum tank and arranged to selectively isolate the supply of inert gas from the vacuum tank; a second flow control valve adapted to be coupled between the vacuum pump and the vacuum tank and arranged to selectively isolate the vacuum pump from the vacuum tank; and a third flow control valve adapted to be coupled between the service port and the vacuum tank and arranged to selectively isolate the vacuum tank from the service port.
 24. The service kit of claim 23, wherein the first flow control valve is operatively disposed between the bladder and the vacuum tank.
 25. The service kit of claim 23, further comprising: a fifth flow control valve adapted to be operatively disposed between the bladder and the supply of inert gas and arranged to selectively isolate the bladder from the supply of inert gas. 